浅析关联理论视角下英语委婉语的应用-以电影《爱玛》为例

A Brief Study on the Application of English Euphemism from the Perspective of Relevance Theory--Taking Film Emma for Instance

摘要

委婉语是人们在交际和交流中希望找到一种合适的表达方式，即使双方能够顺利完成交际，又使双方感到此次交际是愉快的。它是一种普遍的交际手段，主要是一些溢美之词，目的是为了避免交流中的尴尬。因为委婉语在交际中的重要性，对委婉语的研究也具有现实意义。本文以语用学中的关联理论为理论支撑来研究委婉语的语用效果。关联理论中的明示推理交际、认知原则、交际原则、语境效果和努力处理都对英语委婉语具有强大的阐释力。

本文运用的是描述性研究方法，根据已有的委婉语现象和关联理论，来研究关联理论视角下英语委婉语在电影《爱玛》中的应用。首先，通过研究可以发现在电影台词中恰当地使用委婉语可以提高交际效果，有助于人物性格发展。其次，研究能体现出关联理论对英语委婉语有强大的阐释力，有助于读者更好地理解委婉语的形成及应用，以便在实际生活中更好地应用委婉语。

关键词: 委婉语；关联理论；电影《爱玛》

Abstract

Euphemism is an appropriate expressive way that people want to find in communication and can make both sides accomplish this communication successfully and pleasantly. It is a common means of communication. By using some words of excessive praise, we can avoid the embarrasement during communication. Because of its importance, it brings some practical significance to the study of euphemism. This thesis use the Relevance Theory of pragmatics to support the study of euphemism’s pragmatic effect. The Ostensive-inferential communication, two principles of relevance, context, cognitive effects and processing efforts of Relevance Theory all have explanatory power for euphemism.

This thesis adopts the descriptive approach to make a study on the application of euphemism in film Emma, according to the euphemistic phenomenon and Relevance Theory. First, through the study we can find the appropriate use of euphemism in dialogue can improve communicative effect and strengthen character development. Second, it can help readers understand the formation and application of euphemism and use euphemism in practical life better.

Key words: Euphemism; Relevance Theory; Film Emma